FUELIowa Sep/Oct 2023 Magazine

T H E VO I C E A N D R E S O U R C E F O R I O WA ’ S F U E L I N D U S T R Y

PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE pg. 3 USDA INCENTIVE PROGRAM pg. 4 IOWA'S FOOD DESERTS

p. 8

VOLUME 76, NO.5 2023 SEP / OCT

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P RE S I DE N T ’ S P E RS P E C T I VE Ronald N. Langston President & CEO FUELIowa 515-224-1599

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

ON THE COVER Convenience Stores sell fruits and vegetables to close the food gap and food deserts in Iowa.

GROWTH, COMPETITION, SERVICE I recently returned from a trip to Washington, DC to encourage members of the United States Senate to support the Bi-Partisan Credit Card Competition Act. It was part of a team effort with association executives and board members from Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with the National Merchants Payments Coalition.

FE ATUR E S 3

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

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USDA INCENTIVE PROGRAM

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IOWA'S FOOD DESERTS

IN TH IS IS S UE

10430 New York Ave Suite F Urbandale, IA 50322 p (515) 224-7545 f (515) 224-0502 info@FUELIowa.com

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2023 PAC DONORS

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PROPERTY INSURANCE MARKET

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MEMBER UPDATES

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INSIDE THE BELTWAY

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RISK MANAGEMENT

I was reminded when it comes to growth it is about membership and strategic partnerships. Without members, strategic partners, and coalitions you cannot grow nor do what is necessary to support the needs and challenges of the retail fuel industry.

Growth, competition and service when linked in a common direction for a public purpose can promote and sustain the economic engines which drive the Iowa, national and global economies.

E XE CUT I V E CO M M I T T E E

The Credit Card Competition Act (CCC Act) is about competition in the marketplace.

Visa and Master Card control 80% of the credit card market. They set the prices retailers pay on every single transaction. “Each year, the cost for retailers to process payments grows”. According to NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) “mega-banks will collect $852,364,182 in swipe fees out of the State of Iowa this year”. If passed the CCCA will keep $139,701,636 in Iowa’s economy.

The aforementioned credit card fees impact all convenience stores, big and small. Many rural areas depend on these stores for food. According to The University of Northern Iowa’s Waste Reduction Center, Iowa has food deserts in many of its rural communities.

During the COVID pandemic, retail fuel and convenience stores provided critical essential services across Iowa. There is once again an opportunity for the retail fuel sector through its statewide network of convenience stores to serve Iowa’s rural communities with access to healthy foods.

The Iowa retail fuel industry is faced with real time infrastructure challenges, the contraction or consolidation of fuel retailers impacting growth in the industry, the competitive cost of doing business and serving the Iowa consumer.

FUELIowa is committed to managing all these challenges while providing for rural Iowans. #Together, We FUELIowa.

RNL

Joseph Zietlow Chair Kwik Trip, Inc La Crosse, WI 608-793-6484

Keith Olsen Vice Chair Olsen Fuel Supply Atlantic 712-243-2340

Tessa Fahey Treasurer Rainbo Oil Dubuque 563- 526-1179

Bev Jessen Past Chair Johnson Oil/ Cylinder Express Battle Creek 712-365-4740

B OARD OF DIREC TORS Chris Biellier Associate Director Seneca Companies Davenport | 563-332-8000

Nathaniel Doddridge Director Casey's General Stores Ankeny | 515-446-6239

Steve Kimmes Director Kimmes Enterprises LLC Carroll | 515-681-7890

Chad Besch Director New Cooperative Algona | 515-295-2741

Tia Eischeid Director Al’s Corner Oil Co Carroll | 712-673-2723

Nate Lincoln Director Lincoln Farm and Home, Inc. Glenwood | 712-527-4833

Don Burd Director Otter Creek Country Store Cedar Rapids | 319-533-1825

Wade Fowler Associate Director Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc. DBA Farner-Bocken Carroll | 641-777-0308

Dave Reif Director Reif Oil Company Burlington | 319-752-9809

Scott Richardson Director Key Cooperative Roland | 515-291-0623

www.FUELIowa.com 2

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USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program Offers Unique Opportunity for Retailers

By John Maynes, Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, FUELIowa

In 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act which included a $450 million appropriation for infrastructure investment advancing higher blends of biofuels like E15 and biodiesel blends containing greater than 5 percent by volume biodiesel. The resulting grant program will be administered by the United States Department of Agriculture and could not come at a more opportune time for Iowa fuel retailers as they look to navigate Iowa’s E15 mandate at their facilities.

As a reminder, Iowa’s 1,127 gas stations without the infrastructure necessary for the safe storage and handling of E15 have until January 1, 2026, to make the infrastructure investment and begin offering E15.

Gas station owners who choose not to offer E15 by that date may apply for a waiver from the law if certain criteria are met. Those who are unable to secure a waiver and choose not to offer E15 by the January 1, 2026, deadline face a revocation of their state issued license to sell fuel.

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While many retailers disagree with the heavy-handed approach taken by Iowa lawmakers in implementing the mandate, universally, Iowa retailers believe in the benefits biofuels provide their customers and the Iowa economy.

Because of this belief, retailers have been planning infrastructure investments at their facilities and the USDA HBIIP grant program is the most lucrative vehicle to date to offset the enormous cost of an infrastructure upgrade at a retail gas station.

The USDA deserves credit for doing their due diligence on the costs associated with an infrastructure conversion for E15 at a retail gas station, including considering the impact of inflation over the life of their HBIIP program. USDA’s HBIIP

program will run over the course of five consecutive quarters with the first round of application review occurring at the close of the program’s first quarter on September 30, 2023. The remaining quarterly application windows will close on December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30 in 2024. A successfully completed application is eligible to carryover into a subsequent quarter but must be resubmitted using USDA’s HBIIP online portal.

As alluded to earlier, USDA’s cost share program is the most lucrative biofuel grant program ever and is the result of USDA engaging retail fuel advocacy groups for feedback on what a successful program would look like. Retail gas station owner/operators with 10 or

fewer locations are eligible for a 75 percent cost-share and retail gas station owner/operators with more than 10 locations are eligible for a 50 percent cost-share.

USDA takes a unique approach to calculating an applicants’ eligible cost-share under their program but it is an approach that simultaneously simplifies the application review process for USDA while treating applicants with fairness. USDA employs cost caps on per dispenser and per tank basis. The cost caps are then inflated to account for not only the physical component subject to the cap, but also the time, labor, and materials associated with installing and bringing the component into operational status.

E15 Dispenser

E15 Dispenser Retrofit

E85 Dispenser

Biodiesel Dispenser (B20)

$50,000

$41,000

$63,000

$63,000

Ethanol Storage Tank

Biodiesel Storage Tank

$168,000

$200,000

As an example of how USDA applies their cost caps, consider a retail project at a gas station involving the replacement of four dispensers and two compartmented underground storage tanks where the retailer intends to offer E85, E15, E10, and Premium Grade gasoline. Two tanks will be split compartment tanks with E15 and E10 in one tank and E85 and Premium Grade gasoline in the second tank. All four dispensers

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will offer E85, E15, E10 and Premium Grade gasoline.

The time, labor, and material costs attributable to the installation of the four dispensers is $252,000.

Concurrently, the time, labor, and material costs associated with the installation of two new underground storage tanks is $336,000, and even though the tanks are split product tanks, the full costs associated with the tank

remain eligible under the program.

In this example, the total project cost is $588,000, a figure which coincides with the average among 9 estimates provided by Iowa licensed petroleum equipment installers. Within the parameters of the USDA HBIIP program, the retail gas station applicant would be eligible to receive a cost share of $441,000 (75 percent) if operating 10 or fewer locations and $279,00 (50 percent) if operating 10 or more locations.

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While the USDA program is lucrative, the federal application system is labor intensive. The majority of FUELIowa members who have successfully navigated previous USD grant programs have navigated the application process with the assistance of a grant writer with experience in managing the federal grant application process.

If interested, applicants should plan for a six-week timeframe for the completion of an application.

With the next application window opening October 1, members interested in applying to the USDA program should begin preparing for the application as soon as possible. Members who would like to be connected with a grant writer should contact John Maynes with FUELIowa (john@fueliowa.com, 515-421-4043).

Additionally, many members have inquired about the ability to access Iowa’s Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Grant Program in conjunction with USDA’s program.

The quick and easy answer for FUELIowa member locations in

Iowa is that you can receive money from both programs for your project. USDA’s program eligibility does not allow for any work to be conducted until after an application has been approved to receive funding. From there, a successful applicant will be required to sign a commitment letter. Upon signing the commitment letter with USDA, an applicant will have three years to complete their project.

Under the rules governing Iowa’s Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Grant Program, an applicant has up to one-year from the date their new infrastructure was placed into service to apply to the program for grant funding.

In terms of order of applying, members should apply first with the USDA program and follow up with an application to Iowa’s grant program after receiving an award letter from the USDA. As a reminder, the cost-share available in Iowa’s program is up to $50,000 or 70 percent of cost, whichever

is less, for any gas station selling 450,000 gallons of gasoline or more in a year. Gas stations selling more than 140,0000 but less than 450,0000 gallons are eligible for $53,250 or 75 percent of cost, whichever is less. Gas stations selling 140,000 gallons of gasoline or less in a year are eligible to receive up to $63,900 or 90 percent of cost, whichever is less.

The ability to pair the USDA grant program with Iowa’s grant program is a unique opportunity over the course of the next year.

Although the application process is daunting and on its face may seem a bit overwhelming, FUELIowa is here to answer any questions you have and we have accumulated a number of contacts and resources we can make available to you to assist you with the application process.

Contact us anytime and we’ll assist in getting started with the process.

19 - 25, 2023 Round-up your purchase in support of Camp Courageous of Iowa.

CAMP COURAGEOUS OF IOWA is a year-round respite care and recreational facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities. The camp was established in 1972 with the first 211 campers attending in the summer of 1974. Today, Camp Courageous serves nearly 10,000 individuals with disabilities in a year-round program.

FUELIowa members support Camp Courageous of Iowa in their efforts to bolster individuals with disabilities.

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The Convenient Solution to Iowa’s Food Deserts

By Sarah Bowman,

Communications Director, FUELIowa

Food deserts are a rising problem in rural Iowa. Iowa’s retail fuel network of convenience stores represents an opportunity to close the food gap. Given the challenge food deserts pose, could convenience stores serve as an oasis in nutritional wastelands?

During COVID when other stores were not open or closed earlier than normal, Iowa’s convenience stores provided essential services providing critical access to food, especially for essential workers in healthcare and first responders who didn’t have a 9-5 work schedule.

In a State that feeds the world, there must be a commitment that no Iowan should go hungry.

However, according to Jordan Burrows, Environmental Specialist with the University of Northern Iowa’s Iowa Waste Reduction Center, the State of Iowa does have food deserts. Burrows created a map in December of 2021 displaying the rural Iowa food deserts. It’s shocking to see how many Iowa communities are in a food desert. Equally disturbing are the poverty rates within those food deserts.

The Pivotal Role of Iowa’s Retail Convenience Stores Convenience stores in general, are often regarded as quick pitstops for gas and snacks – believed to be supplying people with an endless array of unhealthy, processed foods. While this may be a common assumption, the reality is far more promising.

Currently, convenience stores nationally are undergoing a

Image 1

paradigm shift, transforming themselves into end destination restaurants, mini grocery stores providing fresh grocery items and healthy alternatives at affordable prices. It may come as a surprise, but in rural Iowa, the network of retail fuel and convenience stores are paving the way to serve rural food deserts.

How Do Convenience Stores Impact Food Deserts?

We may overlook the significance of convenience stores, in the context of food access. How much impact can convenience stores have in bridging the food gap in areas marked as food deserts?

"Can convenience stores help those living in food deserts in Iowa?" Yes! Unfortunately, Iowa does have areas where fresh food is scarce. Finding the closest grocery store can be 15 miles (or more) away. Contrastingly, convenience stores are frequently easier to spot and access,

significantly reshaping the food landscape of these areas.

Image 1 is the map created

by Burrows of Iowa’s 111 rural food deserts with the poverty rate demonstrated by the corresponding colors (green, blue and yellow).

FUELIowa reached out to Burrows and asked her to prepare a map of retail convenience store coverage (Image 2). This was limited to stores that offered what the CDC referred to as “affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk, and other foods that make up the full range of a healthy diet.”

Image 2 shows the impact of retail convenience stores on the food deserts. According to Burrows, “41,500 Iowans live in a rural food desert. With the retail convenience store coverage, 11,900 Iowans can be assisted by their local convenience store.”

Image 2

Understanding the Issue: Food Deserts in Rural Iowa --What exactly are Food Deserts?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) generally defines food deserts as “areas that lack access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk, and other foods that make up the full range of a healthy diet.” It's as dry as a desert, in the context of food.

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A Revolution in Convenience Store Offerings Convenience stores have great potential to address the food desert issue. The stores have flexible hours, making them accessible for those with varying work schedules.

They also ease transportation accessibility for those living far away from traditional grocery stores and especially those who cannot afford the long travel.

The metamorphosis of these stores is not merely skin-deep. Many retail convenience stores are equipping their shelves with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious food items. By doing so, they’re allowing residents access to affordable, healthy food options.

The Future of Iowa's Food Landscape Rural food insecurity and food

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deserts require comprehensive solutions, and the emergence, and retention of local convenience stores as food providers is an optimistic sign.

These essential changes in Iowa's retail fuel and convenience stores symbolize a new era in elimination food deserts. It is positive change where convenience store model goes hand-in-hand with nutrition and public health. Only time can truly determine the long-term effectiveness of this approach, yet the initial impact suggests a promising future in the battle against rural food insecurity in Iowa.

Road to A Healthier Iowa The importance of retail convenience stores cannot be

overstated when it comes to focus on healthy choices for Iowans.

By providing residents of Iowa's food deserts with healthier options and easier access to fresh food, a positive domino effect unfolds health improves, food insecurities diminish, and communities thrive.

Remember, every time you buy an apple from your local convenience store, you not only enjoy a healthy snack, but also support a revolutionary movement against food deserts in Iowa.

Unquestionably, convenience stores in Iowa are more than just retail fuel corner stores - they are crucial components in fighting food deserts and cultivating healthier communities.

Better food for a better Iowa! And #TogetherWe FUELIowa.

WANT BETTER HEALTH INSURANCE FOR LESS? HEALTHAlliance offers industry leading health & wellness plans exclusively designed to meet the needs of fuel marketers, convenience stores, and associated businesses. With partners like Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Delta Dental & more, our members enjoy the finest coverage at low rates due to the combined buying strength of our membership.

www.HealthAllianceBenefitPlan.com

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GOAL: $100k GOAL: $100k YTD: YTD: $74.7k

$56.7k

74.7%

57%

Donors: Donors: GOAL: 100 GOAL: YTD: 51 100

YTD: 38

51% VISIONARY ($5,000+) VISIONARY ($5,000+) $ 14,875 Bev & Henry Jessen- -Cylinder Cylinder Express* Express* $ 14,000 Bev & Henry Jessen $ 5,190 Paul & Tessa Fahey- -Rainbo RainboOil* Oil* $ 5,000 Paul & Tessa Fahey $ 5,000 Larry Bentler, JetGas* Gas* $ 5,000 Larry Bentler, Jet $ 5,000 Ronald Langston- -FUELIowa^ FUELIowa^ $ 5,000 Ronald N.N. Langston

LEADER ($2,500-$4,999)

LEADER ($2,500-$4,999) $4,000 Robert Mast - Mast ATM $4,000 Robert Mast- -Otter MastCreek ATM Country Stores* $3,850 Don Burd $2,500 Randy & Andrew Woodard - Elliott Oil* $3,600 Jim Ewing - FUELIowa $2,500 Todd Kanne - Community $3,175 Todd Kanne - CommunityOil* Oil* $2,500 Jason McDermott McDermott Oil*Oil* $2,500 Randy & Andrew-Woodard - Elliott $2,500 Jason McDermott - McDermott Oil* $2,500 Cliff & Dave Reif - Reif Oil* $2,500 Cliff & Dave Reif - Reif Oil*

C-Store owners and general managers come to Westmor when they don’t know how to build, expand or remodel their store. Oftentimes they’re frustrated with the lack of Visit www.fueliowa.com and select “Training and Events” to register. transparency with the cost of To sponsor an event, call FUELIowa at 515-224-7545 or email jim@fueliowa.com building a new store and they have too many contacts to keep the project efficient.

BUILD IT

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

YOUR WAY » Single source solution for your entire project

PARTNER ($1,000-$2,449) $1,500 Don Burd - Otter Creek Country Stores PARTNER ($1,000-$2,449) $1,500 Joe Zietlow - Kwik Trip^ $2,100 Keith Olsen - Olsen Fuel Supply $1,000 Mark - Cobb Oil $1,500 JoeCobb Zietlow - Kwik Trip^ $1,500 Steve Kimmes - Kimmes Enterprises LLC $1,000 Jennifer Likes - Harms Oil ^ $1,500 John Gilroy Oil Oil $1,000 Thomas Flogel- Grysson - Mulgrew $1,000 Mark Cobb Cobb Oil $1,000 Marc Beltrame - Beltrame Law Firm $1,000 Jennifer Likes - Harms Oil ^ $1,000 Richard Weiner - Cartersville Elevator $1,000 Thomas Flogel - Mulgrew Oil $1,000 EricMarc Taylor - Taylor- Oil $1,000 Beltrame Beltrame Law Firm

$1,000 Richard Weiner - Cartersville Elevator $1,000 Eric Taylor - Taylor Oil $1,000 GM Stewart & Kurt Stewart - Stewart & Sons

38%

FRIEND ($500-$999) $800 Jason Floy FRIEND ($500-$999) $700 Sarah Bowman $500Chris MattO'Brien Scheetz $600 $525 $500Doug TravisCoziahr Buhman $500 Scheetz $500Matt Jason Floy $500 Travis Buhman $500 Gary Koerner

CONTRIBUTOR ($0-$499) $400 Adam Gardiner CONTRIBUTOR ($0-$499) $300John Jim Pauk $475 Maynes $250Adam Nate Lincoln $400 Gardiner $250 Doug Coziahr $400 Chris Irlbeck $250Jim Forrest $400 PaukPayne $250 $200Nate KeithLincoln Crandall $250 Forrest Payne $200 Eric Scheuchl $200 $150Chad John Besch Maynes $200 Keith Crandall $150 Gary Koerner $200 $150Eric JimScheuchl Ewing $160 Todd Clubb $150 Sarah Bowman $150 Reo Menning $150 Reo Menning $120 Dan Toale $100 John Meehan $100 John Meehan $100 Dean Onken $100 Dean Onken $100 Aaron Ezzio $100 Adam Sander $100 Christin Lee $100 Tia Eischeid

» Full cost transparency » Turn-key construction experience

^ Sustaining Member * Fuel Marketer Program

» Be involved as much or as little as you would like » Keep your project on time and budget

^ Sustaining Member * Fuel Marketer Program 12

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o

State of the Current Property Insurance Market

(Drought/Heat Wave, Flooding, Hail, Hurricane, Severe Weather, Tornado, Wildfires and Winter Storm/ Cold Waves)

B y B o b S c h u e l e r, CPCU, MLIS Senior Sales Executive Assured Partners

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We are currently experiencing one of the hardest property insurance marketplaces in recent memory.

Insurance carriers are increasing premium rates, increasing deductibles, decreasing or removal of coverage, and increasing underwriting scrutiny of insureds. What are the causes of these current market conditions?

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Construction Cost inflation.

COVID 19 sent the U.S. economy into a tailspin resulting in supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and construction delays which all contributed to increased property construction costs. The construction delays also resulted in increased loss of business income payouts by insurers to insureds due to the delay of restoration of normal business operations.

Prior inadequate premium collection to fund present losses

o In the USA and worldwide the insurance industry has experienced unprofitable property insurance results which are being driven by:

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Continued Large Weather and Climate Disaster Events in the U.S. (according to NOAA)

o o o

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2021 – 20 separate billion dollar + events 2022 – 18 separate billion dollar + events 2023 through July 2023 – 15 separate billion dollar +

Iowa experienced property loss wind events of $1B and greater on 8/10/2020 (est. $7.5B) and on 12/15/2021 (est. $1B).

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Buildings and personal property were not being adequately insured to value to reflect the actual loss settlement valuation option chosen.

Market competition driving property insurance rates below underwriting profitability levels to obtain market share that are not sustainable.

The size of total property loss payments also resulted in increased payments

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being made by the global reinsurance markets (primary insurers purchase reinsurance to lessen the financial impact of large losses on a single account, and their aggregate policy portfolio). The reinsurance marketplace is not only affected by losses in the USA, but globally. Many reinsurance contracts for insurance carriers renew on January 1. It is reported that the reinsurance rate renewals for 1/1/2023 on average increased 37%. Reinsurers also introduced capacity constraints for certain geographical locations in the world.

As a result of the current property insurance market conditions insureds may experience or have experienced any, or all, of the following in 2023:

1. Large property insurance rate increases over expiring rates.

2. Mandatory increases in property deductibles. a. We have seen carriers impose separate wind/hail deductibles for losses resulting from wind or hail damage.

3. Removal of blanket property insurance limits by location for buildings or business personal property. Certain insurance carriers are only willing to provide limits per scheduled building.

4. Certain carriers’ imposition of a property loss limit per catastrophe. The carrier may state that in event of a catastrophic loss that they will only pay up to a maximum limit per catastrophe for all covered loss to covered buildings, business personal property, mobile equipment, and business income.

5. Removal of replacement cost loss valuation coverage on certain buildings based on the current age or condition of the building.

a. Certain carriers have removed replacement cost coverage on roofs that are 15 years or older in age.

6. Required increases on building and/or business personal property limits to reflect current construction costs.

7. Restriction or limitation of coverage

a. Excluding loss payments for cosmetic only roof or siding damage. Insurers will no longer pay if the wind or hail damage does not compromise the roof’s ability to function as a weather barrier.

Some insurers have extended the cosmetic loss exclusion

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to siding.

must provide written notice of non-renewal (other than non-payment of premium), or material change in conditions to the insured at least 45 days before the expiration of the policy. Material change (IA Code 515.12A) includes an increase in premium rates of 25% or more, an increase in deductible of 25% or more, or a material reduction in limits or coverage.

b. Removal of the waiving of coinsurance requirements and resulting potential partial loss penalties for not insuring property to value.

8. Non-renewal of insureds due to the property loss experience of the individual insured, aggregate property loss experience of the insurer, or even just the geographical location of the property exposures.

•

a. Certain insurance carriers have exited certain geographical areas entirely or industry classes.

Review your current risk profile. The current status of structural conditions, security & fire prevention systems and housekeeping of all of your insured property and can any improvements be made? Is your insurer aware of any recent improvements or updates you have made to your buildings?

o

•

Access your ability or willingness to assume additional self-insurance by:

o o

Based on the above what can insureds do?

•

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Have conversations with your agent well in advance of your renewal on what you may anticipate for coverage, rate, or deductible changes for your renewal. Note that in the State of Iowa an insurer

What is your compliance status on any loss control recommendations previously made on your account?

o

Increasing deductibles Changing insured loss valuations on insured buildings from replacement cost to actual cash value.

Are there buildings that you desire to no longer insure based on age, condition, or future plans regarding the structure.

Please feel free to contact your agent, or myself if you have further questions or would like to explore the benefits available of the FUELIowa Employers Mutual Insurance Company Property and Casualty Safety Group Program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Brew Donates over $170,000 of Inventory to Food Banks after Lease Termination by InCommercial Storm Lake, Iowa – 9 October 2023– Brew MEX, LLC (Brew, Brew Oil), an Iowa-based, familyowned company, donated over $170,000 worth of merchandise to several Eastern Iowa food banks after InCommercial’s termination of Brew’s leases at 15 area convenience stores.

Brew ceased operations in Eastern Iowa in September, which included convenience stores in Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Eldridge and Davenport. At no time did Brew own or acquire these convenience store properties; Brew signed an operational lease to manage these locations under the Brew convenience store brand.

“As a company, we were really looking forward to serving these vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods and communities in Eastern Iowa,” says Joe Kelly, a spokesperson for Brew.

“We were disappointed that we couldn’t come to an arrangement with the new property owners and were forced to vacate these properties.”

With thousands of dollars of inventory remaining in the stores, Kelly commends Brew owner, Inder Singh’s, decision to donate most of this merchandise, including food and personal care items, to food banks and nonprofits in the affected communities and surrounding areas to support Iowans in need.

“The Davenport Community School Food Pantry (DCSFP) is overjoyed by the generous donation from Brew that has been given to our guests at the JB Young Opportunity Center over the last month. We had lines of people who were very appreciative,” says Ralph Kelly, Director of the DCSFP. Shortly after Brew began managing the stores in Eastern Iowa, the properties’ owner, Mountain Express Oil, filed for federal bankruptcy protection in Texas. These locations were then purchased by an out-of-state investment group, InCommercial, which was not affiliated with either Brew or Mountain Express Oil. Consequently, on August 25, 2023, the bankruptcy court ordered the termination of Mountain Express Oil's master lease with the out-of-state owners, which included its lease with Brew.

This unexpected development had significant repercussions for Brew’s lease agreements and rents. Despite Brew's earnest efforts to negotiate a new long-term lease with the owners of

these properties, negotiations ultimately failed. InCommercial, the new property owners of all 15 sites, directed Brew to exit the properties.

Brew will continue to serve as a convenience destination at its 28 locations throughout Iowa with expansion plans underway. Brew remains committed to providing the best modern convenience store experience to its customers across Iowa.

For media inquiries, please contact: Joe Kelly Brew Oil Media Relations joe@k-scopemarketing.com (712) 299.3321

About Brew Oil Brew, LLC (Brew, Brew Oil) is a 100% Iowa family-owned company dedicated to offering premium coffee, fuel and convenience items to travelers and Iowa residents. With a commitment to delivering the best modern convenience store experience, Brew proudly serves communities across Iowa.

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M EMBER HAPPEN IN GS FU E L I OWA M E M B E RS I N THE N E WS

M EM B E R N EWS Members Approve the Merger of

Welcome New Members!

Northern Country Cooperative and Viafield

America Petroleum Institute (API) represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry.

C-Plus Enterprises Inc. has been in business for over 40 years serving the convenience store, liquor store and restaurant industries.

Leak Specialists, providing quality leak detection since 1983.

Meridian Liquids Partners, your partner for reliable wholesale propane.

FU ELIowa F a shi o n is Avai l abl e !

Men or Womens Jacket: Port Authority® Packable Puffy Jacket

AMS Energy Technologies is pioneering a revolutionary solution in the fuel industry with Portable Above-Ground Stations (PAGS). These EPA, NFPA, and UL approved units are costeffective, environmentally friendly, and poised to transform the fueling landscape, offering substantial savings for operators while addressing environmental concerns.

Color: Black Sizes: XS-4XL Men or Womens Vest: Port Authority® Packable Puffy Vest Color: Black Sizes: XS-4XL Email Jim Ewing at

jim@fueliowa.com to order your FUELIowa fashion.

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Wayne Transports, Inc. has been in the tank transporter business for over 58 years. Our positive outlook, up to date equipment, and superior customer service means we will be at your service for years to come!

The farmer members of Northern Country Cooperative and Viafield, effective September 12, 2023, have voted in favor of the proposed merger of the two highly successful, agriculture retail companies. The merger votes of both cooperatives resulted in a member ballot return which exceeded the Iowa requirement, and overall approval votes met the two-thirds threshold for a cooperative merger to pass. Both boards of directors are pleased with the results, indicating mutual support of members for future growth and opportunities.

“We are grateful for the trust our fellow members showed in this merger vote. It is through that active member ownership that we will be able to further strengthen the services and resources for our farmer-owners,” states Dave Huper, Northern Country Board President.

The two complementary organizations, with strong financial standing and deep roots in the rural, farming communities they serve, together employ more than 270 team members and supply over 4,700 member farmers.

The new cooperative will begin conducting unified business effective February 1, 2024.

Corporate offices will continue to be based in both Charles City and Stacyville, Iowa. Jason

Schwenneker, current Northern Country CEO, will serve as the forthcoming cooperative’s CEO. Derrick Davis, current Viafield CEO, will continue his leadership as COO. “This merger is truly the best path forward for our respective cooperatives, employees and communities,” shares Schwenneker.

“We will be best positioned in size and scale to continue serving the expanding needs of our customers today and those in next generations. That is truly something we all can be proud of.”

The joint boards of directors’ intention to merge comes after more than two years of shared resources and operations by the respective cooperatives. “Our boards pursued this unification with consideration of mutually sound financial standings and individual strengths that we recognized would bring increased value to our neighbor farmers,” says Steve Fullerton, Viafield Board President.

The combined territories, with little to no overlap, will establish a customer footprint across 16 counties in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Future information regarding the integration of the two cooperatives will continue to be communicated to members and customers.

Northern Country Cooperative is a full-service agriculture cooperative serving farmers since 1908. The primary business offerings include grain marketing, grain storage and drying, sales and services of seed, fertilizer and chemicals, feed manufacturing, and lumber sales. Today, NCC services over 2,200farmer members across 13locations and 130employees in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota.

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Viafield is a member-owned ag cooperative in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota with over a century of rich tradition and over 2,500 current farmer members.

Viafield employs over 140 individuals who are specialized on products, services and trends within agronomy, energy, feed and grain.

As a team-oriented organization, they understand the importance of growth in the business, member operations and communities they serve for future opportunities.

Core-Mark Relaunches Innovative Start-Up Program The initiative is aimed at identifying, nurturing and developing brands for inclusion in its extensive distribution channel.

Core-Mark Relaunches Innovative Start-Up Program

the retailing experience and drive innovative ideas, products and solutions to grow their businesses.

"Core-Mark prides itself on delivering innovative products and solutions to the convenience retail industry," said Chris Murray, executive vice president of marketing, Core-Mark International.

"With the relaunch of Core-Mark Curated, we're building upon this commitment by uncovering and stewarding the best and brightest new products that can help differentiate our customers in a highly competitive marketplace."

The first-ever Core-Mark Curated showcase event was held virtually in August 2020. Four brands were selected for inclusion in the CoreMark Curated program: Love Corn, Popsalot, OmniBev and Riverside Natural Foods.

The initiative is aimed at identifying, nurturing and developing brands for inclusion in its extensive distribution channel.

WESTLAKE, Texas — Core-Mark International is relaunching CoreMark Curated, an innovative initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing and developing the best brands for inclusion in its extensive distribution channel.

Building upon the success of the initial launch in 2020, CoreMark Curated continues to serve as a start-up accelerator and incubation program. The initiative is a key component of the company's Center of Excellence, a facility that enables convenience retailers to immerse themselves in

Westlake-based Core-Mark offers a full range of products, marketing programs and technology solutions to approximately 50,000 customer locations in the United States and Canada through 37 distribution centers. It services traditional convenience retailers, drug stores, box or supercenter stores, grocery stores, liquor stores and other specialty and small format stores that carry convenience products.

Core-Mark is the convenience division of Richmond, Va.-based Performance Food Group Co., one of the largest food and foodservice distribution companies in North America with more than 150 locations.

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Casey's Agrees to Acquire 63 Convenience Stores from EG Group

ANKENY, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)-Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (“Casey’s”) (Nasdaq: CASY) today announced an agreement to acquire 63 convenience stores from EG America, LLC (“EG America”), a subsidiary of EG Group Ltd. (“EG Group”).

“EG Group is pleased to have found a new home for some of our Certified Oil and Minit Mart portfolio. This divestment will enable both parties to execute their strategic plans, respectively.

For EG Group, this divestment also represents another important step in executing our deleveraging strategy.”

The stores are located in Kentucky and Tennessee, and currently operate under the Minit Mart and Certified Oil banners.

Casey’s and EG America, two of the leading convenience store chains in the United States, anticipate the deal will close later this year, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Casey’s is expected to retain the impacted employees at each store, and EG America is cooperating to make their transition as seamless as possible.

Darren Rebelez, President and Chief Executive Officer at Casey’s, said: “One of the key pillars in our strategic plan is to accelerate our store growth over the next three years and bring Casey’s to more communities. This opportunity is an excellent strategic fit as we look to add locations in Kentucky and Tennessee, which are both within 20

our existing distribution footprint.

We look forward to serving more guests in these markets and welcoming the team members from this transaction into the Casey’s family.”

Nick Unkovic, President of EG America, said: “We have built a strong and successful business over the years in these Certified Oil and Minit Mart stores, and we are proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our team members there.

Casey’s is an excellent operator, and we believe these stores and team members will continue to thrive under their ownership.”

Zuber Issa, co-Founder and coCEO of EG Group, said: “EG Group is pleased to have found a new home for some of our Certified Oil and Minit Mart portfolio. This divestment will enable both parties to execute their strategic plans, respectively. For EG Group, this divestment also represents another important step in executing our deleveraging strategy.”

Flint Hills Resources’ Dillon: Safety,

With over 20 years of industry experience, Rodney Dillon understands that integrity and respect are important tenants of leadership.

With his recent promotion to VP and manufacturing manager for Flint Hills Resources Corpus Christi Refineries, Dillon said he believes these fundamentals are vital for success on the jobsite.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

Rodney Dillon, VP and Manufacturing Manager, FHR Corpus Christi Refineries

Flint Hills Resources Corpus Christi West plant

"These skills set the stage for how you engage with your people and teams to advance your everyday work opportunities," he said. "I’ve always subscribed to the old adage, ‘there’s not one of us smarter than the collective whole of all of us.’ It’s this belief that allows you to benefit from the dispersed knowledge in our workforce, both internal and external."

Dillon, who took the helm in June of this year, supervises a workforce of more than 1,000 fulltime employees and contractors and is responsible for heading up all operations, including safety, compliance and overall business results.

stewardship remains a priority

BY SOPHIA GUILD, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

companies in the industry by being good stewards of its resources.

"I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead our Corpus Christi operations and work with our extraordinary employees to continuously innovate and transform our operations," Dillon said.

Dillon succeeds Brook Vickery, who was recently named senior VP of operations with Wichita, Kansas-based INVISTA. Both Flint Hills Resources and INVISTA are subsidiaries of Koch Industries.

Dillon said a key goal for the Corpus Christi refineries is to strive to be among the most competitive

"We provide products that help make modern life possible and improve people’s lives," he said.

"And we do this responsibly by prioritizing safety and environmental progress and contributing meaningfully to our communities."

Dillon has been with Flint Hills Resources since 2005. He previously served in a wide range of leadership roles, including managing several reliability centers, construction services, field services and operations production. Dillon is a longtime member of AFPM, while other company representatives are also members of Texas Chemical Council, Texas Oil & Gas Association and Texas Association of Manufacturers.

A Texas native, Dillon earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. He previously worked for Albermarle Corporation in Pasadena, Texas, Trigeant Ltd in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Citgo in Corpus Christi.

"Rodney’s decades of experience and deep industry knowledge will serve him well as the new leader

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of our Corpus Christi refineries," said Phil Gaarder, executive VP of operations with Flint Hills Resources.

"I’m confident that under Rodney’s leadership of our Corpus Christi refineries we will continue to operate safely and with respect for the environment and our communities."

Flint Hills Resources acquired the West refinery from Sun Oil Company in 1981, which included a 60,000 b/d crude processing unit, a petrochemical plant, 490 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to the refinery and a crude oil pipeline gathering system in South Texas. The East plant was purchased from Ker McGee in 1995.

Since then, Dillon said, a major investment was made at the West plant to process domestic crude from Texas — primarily from the Eagle Ford Basin. The company’s focus is on meeting the tremendous demand for transportation fuels.

Flint Hills Resources’ operations are primarily located in the Midwest and Texas, but it also operates the Pine Bend refinery in Rosemount, Minnesota. The company’s three refineries have a combined crude oil processing capacity of more than 700,000 b/d.

The company produces, markets and transports refined products including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, asphalt and heating oil. Flint Hills Resources also owns and operates more than 4,000 miles of pipelines that transport crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas liquids and chemicals, delivered through a distribution system of more than 40 terminals throughout the Midwest and Texas.

Flint Hills Resources Corpus Christi Refineries are OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) certified, Dillon said.

"Our voluntary participation in this program means that we have implemented effective safety and health management systems to maintain injury and illness rates below the industry average," he said. "Certification involves peer review from OSHA and industry partners and employeeled programs that continuously improve our safety practices."

In 2020, Flint Hills Resources launched a first-of-its-kind digital approach to leak detection at all its industrial facilities. Partnering with Molex, an industrial electronics manufacturer, the monitoring system worked to streamline the Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) process through a network of sensors combined with data analytics for early identification of potential leaks.

"The Molex technology is transformational," Dillon said.

"This sensor-based approach to LDAR monitoring allows us to safely detect, in almost real time, when and where we may be experiencing operational issues so they can be fixed quickly and efficiently."

Molex’s technology is powered

by Air- Compliance Solution from mPACT2WO, a Molex business. The solution involves a combination of next-gen sensors, an optimally placed sensor network and an intelligent software to help pinpoint potential leaks around the clock.

The monitoring system’s data enables the identification of emission sources quickly, improving

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regulatory compliance by reducing emissions at a typical refinery or chemical facility by as much as 70 mt/yr.

"We work cooperatively to share best industry practices and explore innovation projects that help our industry be good stewards of our resources," Dillon said. "Early uses of this technology have already produced favorable results, as it helped us identify and promptly fix a source of emissions at our loading operations that otherwise may have gone undetected for a longer period of time," Dillon added.

The novel LDAR system enhances detection of abnormal conditions that could lead to occupational or process safety events, creating a safer work environment and improving data quality. According to Dillon, innovative developments like this one that can enhance safety are important as the well-being of employees and communities is always a top priority.

"We make this happen every day by building capability in our people and resilience in our systems to adapt, prevent, contain and recover, so when the unexpected happens, people remain safe," he said. "We believe that our EHS performance is something that we must focus on every second of every day — it is not a ‘place’ you get to, it is a ‘journey’ that never ends."

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INSIDE THE BELTWAY

E NE RG Y MARKE TE RS O F AME RICA

champions, Senators Roger Marshall (R-KY) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), remain committed to receiving an up and down vote before the end of the year. Additionally, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) indicated he’s open to legislative action on the bill, and possibly holding a hearing.

Continue to Urge Congress to Support the Credit Card Competition Act! This week, over 100 members of the Merchants Payments Coalition (MPC), including several EMA State Association Executives and marketers, flooded Capitol Hill to demand a vote on the Credit Card Competition Act as an amendment to the Senate’s $280 billion spending minibus which would ensure retailer choice in payment routing by requiring at least two unaffiliated processors on credit cards-- the same process that is currently used for debit card transactions. The industry overall sent more than 5,000 email messages to congressional offices along with hundreds of CEO calls this week. The big banks responded by flooding the Hill as well. It’s safe to say that this bill is the most heavily lobbied bill in recent history.

Unfortunately, due to Congress’s inability to fund the federal government (see next article below), the bill did not receive a vote on the Senate floor this week. The good news is that the bill’s Senate 26

EMA continues to urge all jobbers and retailers to reach out to their Senators and ask them to VOTE YES on the Credit Card Competition Act. This bill would reduce swipe fees and allow retailers a choice of network to handle the transaction through competition which would save Americans and businesses around $15 billion in swipe fees per year.

Our industry’s share of that comes to around $9,000 per store per year.

Congress In Disarray This week, Washington has been focused on one thing—whether or not the government will shut down in 8 days. In a normal year, Congressional appropriators aim to provide discretionary funds for all programs and departments of the Federal government through 12 annual spending measures that run from October 1 through September 30 of the following calendar year.

Members use this process to modify the previous year’s funding levels and the specific terms controlling how those funds are spent, and they also use these bills to collectively provide billions of dollars of Congressionally Directed Spending, or earmarks.

This year, the appropriations process has been mired in a political and policy logjam, largely as a result of intraparty disagreement between House Republicans. To date, none of the 12 bills has been enacted, leaving Congress just over a week from a whole-of-government shutdown without a clear path forward, and barring a compromise that has eluded lawmakers to date, the government will begin to shut down on October 1.

While Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-NY) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) both agree that a government shutdown would be bad for the country, the House and Senate are lightyears apart in terms of funding levels, policy provisions, and even an interest in reaching compromise. To the Senate’s credit, this is the first year in many where appropriators have moved their bills in regular order in a bipartisan manner, and in all likelihood, they will have all 12 of their annual funding bills passed by next week. But it takes two to tango, and the House is not even close to this stage. At this time, the House has passed only one bill – military construction and veterans affairs – and Speaker McCarthy is having trouble getting even the Defense spending bill to the floor, which would typically be a layup (though they’re trying again today).

Given the distance between the House and Senate, a Continuing Resolution (CR) is the obvious solution, however, a significant number the House Freedom Caucus are refusing to either (a) vote on

FUELIowa not only keeps you informed in Iowa but on a federal level as well by partnering with our national organization, EMA. If it will impact you, we’ve got you covered.

any CR or (b) vote on any CR that does not impose a series of cuts that would make it dead-on-arrival in the Senate. As sure as a Freedom Caucus package would fail in the Senate, so would any Senate package fail in the House—unless Speaker McCarthy is willing to make a deal with House Democrats to pass it. This might work, but it would incite the ire of the Freedom Caucus, several of whom have threatened to exercise their right to vacate the chair, which would require Speaker McCarthy to rally a majority of the House to remain Speaker. Democrats can provide the Speaker with sufficient votes to allow him to act in that manner, but again, they may not. And if they don’t, any activity to find a new speaker would, at the very least, be time consuming, which only furthers the possibility of a prolonged shutdown. While it is unclear if a shutdown will happen or how long it would last if it does, one thing is certain—those causing the shutdown tend to receive the political fallout. And with Speaker McCarthy currently in a tough spot, Democrats may not be interested in tossing him a lifeline—and he may not be seeking one, instead giving into the Freedom Caucus’ demands, even if they have no path forward in the Senate.

Whether a shutdown lasts a few hours or a few weeks, it will surely wreak widespread impact, as agencies will be limited to only their essential staff, and any nonessential functions, projects, or initiatives will be held until the government reopens. In addition F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

to appropriations, the current FAA reauthorization and the Farm Bill will lapse on September 30 as well, which means that aviation and agricultural programs will also begin to wind down.

The timing of this shutdown is a perfect storm of sorts, and while nobody knows for sure what the outcome will be, one thing is certain—the next few weeks will be a sort of organized chaos, and we will be fighting to ensure EMA’s interests are continually protected from any legislative whipsaws out there.

Tobacco Tax Bill Introduced U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL) introduced the Care of Moms Act which aims to promote access to prenatal and postpartum care and provides resources to mothers. Included in the bill are provisions that would substantially increase the tax on tobacco products: • Increase the tax on cigarettes from $1.01 to $2.02 per pack.

• Implement a new e-cigarette tax that would equalize to the tax on cigarettes (methodology and rate to be determined by Secretary of Treasury).

• Increase the tax on moist snuff from 11-cents per 1.2 oz. tin to $2.02 per can.

• Double the tax on small cigars (from $50.33 to $100.66).

• Implement a new weight-based

tax methodology on large cigars resulting in large tax increase.

• Double the tax on RYO (from $24.78/lb to $49.56/lb).

• Equalize the tax on chewing tobacco and pipe tobacco to tax these products like cigarettes.

Similar tax legislation has failed in past Congressional sessions

Regulatory Reminder: IRS Diesel Fuel and Kerosene Dispenser Label Requirements The IRS requires all untaxed diesel fuel or untaxed kerosene dispensers to display specific labels describing the product and their taxable status and use. The IRS requires these labels to contain specific language that may not be altered or shortened in any way. EPA dispenser labels for low sulfur products are not a substitute for the IRS labels. The fine for failure to display the proper IRS label is $10 per gallon for every gallon contained in the storage tank at the time of violation. IRS enforcement of the dispenser label requirement is aggressive and ongoing.

House of Representatives Passes Bill to Deny the “California Car Mandate” Yesterday, the House of Representatives approved the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle 27

Purchases Act” (H.R. 1435) to protect Americans’ freedom of choice when purchasing vehicles. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 222 – 190. Eight democrats supported the bill: Representatives Caraveo (CO), Costa (CA), Cuellar (TX), Davis (NC), Golden (ME), Higgins (NY), Perez (WA), and Vasquez (NM). EMA and its 48 state and regional trade associations supported this bill in a letter to Capitol Hill yesterday. EMA would like to thank Representatives Bob Latta (R-OH), John Joyce (R-PA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) for introducing this important legislation earlier this year.

The legislation would reject California’s request for a Clean Air Act (CAA) waiver to require 100 percent of all new light-duty vehicle sales to be electrified by 2035 in the state. Every American will be impacted by this ban, whether they are in one of the 17 states that copies California vehicle laws or whether they are a consumer looking to buy an affordable new pickup truck in the next few years. This would constitute 40 percent of the entire nation’s new car sales. Specifically, the Preserving Choice in Vehicles Purchases Act would restrict the EPA from issuing any waiver for new regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). Preserving consumer choice is critical to maintaining competition in the automotive markets and ensuring all Americans have access to reliable, clean and affordable vehicles.

“The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) is concerned with California’s ban on the ICEV because it would limit consumer choice on cleaner greener ICEs, increase Americans’ utility bills to subsidize a massive

28

expansion of the electric grid for EV charging and threaten the viability and jobs of small business energy marketers around the country, whether they deliver gasoline and diesel or renewable fuels like ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel,” said EMA President Rob Underwood.

Potential FDA Ban on Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars will Lead to Illicit Sales in the Marketplace Recently, the Energy Marketers of America (EMA), along with other trade groups, sent a letter to the FDA regarding its potential product standard regulations for menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars that are expected to be finalized soon.

The letter reiterated that prohibiting menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars will increase the illicit trade of these tobacco products and negatively impact the retailers that sell them.

EMA member companies’ market large volumes of cigarettes and other tobacco products at convenience stores throughout the Nation and at kiosks located adjacent to the pumps at their gasoline service stations. The sale of tobacco products is an important component of their businesses, and their interests align with those of FDA in promoting protective measures aimed at eliminating unlawful sales to minors. The vast majority of these energy marketers qualify as small businesses under U.S. Small Business Administration size categories for both wholesale and retail entities.

Consumers do not buy products because retailers sell them; retailers sell products because consumers buy them. The menthol cigarette market, for instance, represents 37 percent of all retail cigarette sales in the and is comprised of 18.6 million adult consumers. An estimated 8.6 million adults smoke cigars. A ban on the legal sale of all menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars will move these popular products out of the regulated system and lead to illicit markets selling these products without any government oversight,” the letter said.

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RISK M A NAGEM E N T

By Risk Improvement Department, EMC Insurance Companies, Des Moines, Iowa

Are Your Propane Employees CETP Certified?

When it comes to propane operations, providing quality training and education for your employees can go a long way toward preventing accidents. Educated employees understand how to work with propane safely and know how to meet code requirements.

These educated employees send a message to your customers that safety is a priority, which can help set you apart from your competitors.

Plus, many insurers require employee training and certification as a condition of coverage.

Industry Standard Propane Training: CETP The industry standard for propane training—and the program that EMC recommends—is the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). There are a variety of CETP courses available, from Basic Principles & Practices to 32

Bobtail Delivery Operations, so you can tailor your employees’ training to their job functions.

expires, employees have to retake the exam in order to finish CETP certification.

After training is complete, there are three steps to attaining CETP certification from the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA).

1. Pass the exam; exams can be taken in written form or online 2. Complete a skills assessment and return within 12 months of passing the exam; a skills evaluator—either a propane manager/ s upervisor or a contracted training consultant— observes and evaluates the employee’s ability to perform job-related tasks, then returns the assessment to the NPGA’s training center 3. Complete any needed prerequisites within 12 months of passing the exam

Once employees complete the training and certification requirements, they receive a certificate, patch and wallet card recognizing their propane expertise. Your insurance carrier may request a copy of each qualifying employee’s certificate.

Make sure your employees don’t fall short on their certification requirements. According to the NPGA, 30% of employees who pass the exam fail to complete the rest of the certification requirements within the allotted time. After the 12-month window

Maintaining CETP Certification To maintain their certification, employees should receive refresher training every three years. Many state propane gas associations offer training and PERC has developed some online nationwide refresher training.

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